Summer isn't the same when you're a grownup. You don't get three months of vacation, and if you did, you probably wouldn't spend the bulk of it binge-watching whatever's on Nickelodeon. As such, grownups tend to dearly treasure any summer fun time they can get—be it a Sunday afternoon cookout or a few days at the cabin.

But with these blissful summer hours winding down (and limited by your employer's vacation policy), it's important to make a game plan in order to get the most out of the end of the season. That's why we've created a summer bucket list of end-of-summer activities. Combine these with your personal favorite things to do in the summer, and you won't feel like you squandered your time come cooler weather.

1. Catch a baseball game.

Shop deals on baseball games near you.

Even if you don't love baseball, there's something so quintessentially summer about soaking up some rays, drinking cold beer, and snacking on ballpark franks while sport things happen in the background. If you do love baseball, it's that much better.

2. Attend a summer festival.

Shop deals on festivals near you.

A summer festival is a great excuse to let your hair down, or wrap it around a flower crown, and indulge in some music and warm-weather day-drinking. Plenty of summer festivals take place in August, including Lollapalooza in Chicago, Burning Man in Black Rock Desert, and Afropunk in Brooklyn. If you'd prefer less of a scene, try a neighborhood festival, such as:

* Chicago Hot Dog Fest (August 11–13)

* Hollywood Beer and Music Festival (August 5)

* The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse (August 23–September 4)

Read: "Craft Beer Pairings for Every Summer Festival Activity"

3. Attempt a new water sport.

Shop deals on water sports near you.

Break out of your basic beach routine and try something totally new the next time you're sea- or lakeside. Standup paddleboarding is perfect for leisurely exploring calm lagoons and lakes, plus it really engages your core muscles. For even more of a workout, take a standup paddleboard yoga class, which moves through yoga poses at about half the speed of a land class.

If your idea of summer fun in the water involves thrills, strap on a water jet pack and hover above the waves. Notice the feeling of weightlessness as jets of water propel you upward.

4. Spend an entire day at an amusement park.

Shop deals on amusement parks near you.

We're not saying you should play hooky from work, but think of how much smaller the roller coaster lines will be if you head to an amusement park in the middle of the week. Bring your regular child or inner child along for the ride.

5. Host a total solar eclipse watch party.

On Monday, August 21, the sun will disappear behind the moon, causing the sky to darken and the temperature to drop. It's the first time since 1918 that a total solar eclipse will travel across the continental U.S. from ocean to ocean, and it deserves to be celebrated with a watch party (just make sure you pick up some solar eclipse glasses before staring at the sun).

6. Try a new summer hairstyle.

Shop deals on hair salons near you.

If you're tired of the same look, switch things up with a new summer hairstyle. It's the perfect time to chop off any extra length that might be weighing you down or to go a bit blonder and brighter.

Get inspiration from our summer beauty lookbook.

7. ...And while you're at it, don't forget the nails.

Shop deals on nail salons near you.

If there's ever a time to show off your toes, it's summer. Nail artist Tiya Batochir recommends rocking a crisp white or unexpected yellow. And as long as you don't play beach volleyball, summer is a great time to add length with some fun acrylics.

8. Eat ice cream at every available opportunity.

Shop deals on ice cream near you.

It's hot out, so you should probably eat more ice cream. What's better than classic ice cream? Boozy ice cream! Grab a spiked milkshake or a brandy-infused ice cream topped with cherries.

9. Finally, take a summer vacation.

Shop deals on getaways.

Maybe you haven't gotten around to using your vacation days yet. Or maybe you already went on vacation, but could stand to get away for the weekend. Either way, don't spend the rest of summer shuffling between your house and your job. Because before you know it, the ground will sparkle with frost, and you'll wonder why you didn't at least take a couple days away from it all.

Explore: "Cheap Vacation Ideas: 17 Trips You Could Book Today"

We also created a roundup specifically for parents. Check out "6 Cheap Fun Things to Do with Kids Before the Summer Ends."